Book 8: Chapter 6: Lost in the Thicket
Release Date: 2026-05-24 21:22:52
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A thin morning mist lingered beneath the forest canopy in the early hours, making distant scenery seem a little blurry and dreamy. Layers of tree crowns formed a patchy green dome far above. Crisp and melodious birdsong echoed from time to time within the dense branches and leaves.
A bright, warm ray of sunlight filtered through the leaves, falling onto Qin Lun’s face. It caused a pleasant, tingling itch in his sleep, like someone had scratched exactly where he itched.
Qin Lun slowly opened his eyes. He stretched the arm he’d been using as a pillow, shielding his eyes with his palm. He sat up with a yawn, arching his back. His bones cracked all over like popping firecrackers. As his mind cleared a bit more, he heard the sound of gurgling water, resembling the tones of a guzheng.
He squinted, turning his head towards a small stream in the woods far away. Crystal-clear water rushed eastward along a stepped riverbed. In the stream, small groups of brightly colored, unidentifiable fish swam against the flow. Forced by the swift current, they hovered suspended in the water as if frozen, like pieces of sparkling crystal fossils.
Qin Lun stood up from the thick tree branch, looking down while holding onto the trunk. A small clearing lay beneath the tree. Inside the clearing was a capsule-shaped sleeping bag and a pile of cooking fire, white smoke still curling upwards as though it had only recently gone out. The Elf Rogue responsible for the last watch was nowhere to be seen, probably off nearby gathering firewood.